My Must-Haves for a Smooth Post Partum Recovery
If you are anything like me, you are prepared for the arrival of your little one. Like, overly prepared. So much that even as a first time mother, you could probably teach the veteran mommies a little something about the newest baby gadgets, trends and trinkets. Yup, we have got it figured out. We spent months putting together the perfect baby registry, we have the honey-do lists put together and the nursery was carefully planned out and meticulously executed. We are ready.
Again, if you are anything like me you did not waste a thought on what your post partum recovery will look like. All eyes (and thoughts) are on baby, not on yourself. By the way, this is the way most mothers live their life. Don’t fall into this trap! Let me be clear - YOU MATTER. You are a pretty big deal and we will make sure that after reading this blog, you will be ready for your fourth trimester and your recovery will be smooth sailing.
Planning for the days after birth often revolves around the lack of sleep and the well-being of our babies. Very seldom does anyone add items for mom to their baby registry. It is even less common to request gifts for yourself. Your baby shower is the perfect time to do so.
Lesson 1. Put yourself first sometimes.
You cannot pour from an empty cup, or one with a leak. When your friends and family asks what they can gift you here are some ideas: Meals. They can cook for you, hire someone to cook for you or purchase gift cards to your favorite restaurants. Make sure they will deliver to your home. Another great gift are post partum doula services. Contrary to popular believe this is not a luxury service but one that can really save your during your recovery. A post partum doula can assist you with household chores, she can care for baby while you get some much needed sleep, help with lactation questions, questions around newborn care and most of all, she will help you heal emotionally from your birth and during your recovery. Lastly, think about a cleaning lady. It helps so much when the pressure of maintaining your household is lifted off your shoulders. Really, you should consider this.
Lesson 2. Recovery is not the same for everyone.
So your friend had a baby and two days later she was out and about, grocery shopping for the 5 course meal she was about to cook for her family. Your friend is a unicorn. We are not all unicorns. Our society has manifested these strange expectations in our heads so I will help you set the record straight. Any woman who just birthed a baby should not be doing anything but snuggle up with that little one, sleep, nurse and eat. Really, it does not matter how well you are feeling, your body has just underwent a life changing event, one of the most strenuous things you will ever do. Please rest. There is physical health, but there is also the emotional aspect of birth, your mental health. Your hormones are raging, your body is leaking fluids…put the make-up away and relax mind, body and soul.
Lesson 3. Post partum items are not needed but they can be a life-saver.
When I had my first baby, I did not think about my recovery and thankfully I did not have any complications. In my time as a doula, I have found some items that can really make life easier. Just click on the picture below to order the products!
Small baskets to set up a nursing/pumping station in multiple rooms of my house. Having everything handy helps so much. Don’t forget the snacks!
A good breast pump. If you are a Tricare beneficiary please visit Military Mommies and book a consultation with someone who is knowledgeable on pumps. It is free and super helpful.
Frida everything. The pads, the sprays, the foams, the peri bottles. I love the Frida post partum recovery line.
I also like the HoneyPot herbal infused pads A LOT. Gamechanger!
A good lactation tea. Please choose one without fenugreek.
Lansinoh gel pads for nursing mommas.
A Haakaa to collect your valuable milk that you would otherwise waste. Also a great tool to relieve clogged ducts.
Depends underwear for the first few days after birth.
A good post partum recovery garment. Again, check out Military Mommies if you are covered by Tricare. The Momma Strut is amazing.
Motherlove Nipple Cream without Lanolin. Because Lanolin is…well…greasy.
Supportive underwear, especially if you are planning for recovery after a c-section. I will talk about this some more in an upcoming blog
Please give yourself grace. Be kind to yourself and allow time to rest and recover. Being a new parent is never easy, no matter if this is your first baby or your fifth. You are super woman. We know that already, so there is no need to prove a point now. Enjoy the baby snuggles, get to know your little one and capture these moments. I promise they pass too fast.
When you buy something using the retail links above, I may earn a small commission. 7 Blessings Doula Services does not accept money for editorial reviews. I will only recommend products that I have tested and approve of. Thank you for supporting my small business.